Climate Policy Foundations
From global agreements to local action: the governance architecture for climate solutions
Your Progress
Section 1 of 5Why Climate Policy Matters
The Problem
Climate change is a market failure—polluters don't pay full costs. Policy corrects this by aligning incentives with climate goals.
The Challenge
Global problem, national sovereignty. Free riders benefit from others' action without contributing. Coordination is essential.
The Solution
Policy instruments—pricing, regulation, standards, incentives—drive mitigation, adaptation, and just transition at scale.
🌍 Interactive Climate Policy Timeline
Paris Agreement (2015-2020)
Paris Agreement
Universal agreement to limit warming to well below 2°C, aim for 1.5°C
Rapid Entry
Agreement enters force in record time with broad participation
Katowice Rulebook
Detailed rules for implementing Paris Agreement transparency and accounting
Article 6 Progress
Partial agreement on carbon markets, key issues deferred
Three Levels of Climate Governance
🌍 International: Coordination & Ambition
Paris Agreement sets global framework with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), transparency mechanisms, and climate finance commitments.
🏛️ National: Policy Design & Implementation
Governments translate commitments into law, regulation, and budgets. Carbon pricing, renewable mandates, efficiency standards, sectoral strategies.
🏙️ Subnational: Innovation & Action
Cities, states, regions often lead on climate action. Building codes, transit, urban planning, renewable procurement, adaptation measures.
🔍 Key Insight: Policy Effectiveness ≠ Political Feasibility
The most economically efficient policy (e.g., high carbon tax) may be politically impossible. Real-world policy design balances effectiveness, equity, administrative feasibility, and political viability. Understanding this tension is critical to advancing climate action.